Imagine CW taking Game of Thrones and making it more...angsty (shut it), less rapey (ugh), with lots of very young, pretty people and a few dudes with amazing voices to add weight to the show. Hi, welcome to Shannara.
It’s okay. My son was not a fan, but I have friends who enjoy it. There really isn't enough fantasy on television. So, yes. I feel it's my sworn duty, as an admitted nerd, to watch Shannara Chronicles in hopes that it can grow into something amazing. I swear, I'm not just crushing on Poppy Drayton who looks amazing and beautiful in every scene. Nope. I swear. Really. (Don't make this weird.) Fingers crossed it comes together, let's give it a chance. You can watch the first 4 episodes here!
The Expanse (Syfy) Based on a series of books by James S.A. Corey (the pen name for Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck), The Expanse takes place 200 years in the future. The military has colonized Mars and their relationship with Earth is cold war. There are also people who are born and work in The Belt (asteroid belt) and they seek independence. I’m only a few episodes in, but someone is trying to start a war, and it’s a mystery. I don’t have a clue as to where they are going, but I really like what I’ve seen so far. If it all comes together in a cohesive way, eventually, I’m totally sold.
Supergirl (CBS) I’ve read posts on a few random sites from guys complaining about this show. My wife and daughter love it, and really, that’s all that matters. There aren’t enough superhero shows about women, or for women. I really feel like this one was needed. Personally, I think the show is good and getting better! No, it’s not my favorite, but it wasn’t made for me either. In a way, I love that. With so many shows about superheroes, the only way they will enjoy success is to stand apart. And one way to do that is to target a specific audience. The Toy Man episode was excellent and I love that the Martian Manhunter is in it. He looks amazing! I hope they keep it going, and I hope to see a crossover with The Flash!
Agent Carter (ABC) January 19th, 2016: I'm afraid if I don't watch this Hayley Atwell may beat the crap out of me. O.O Really though, great characters, fun story, stands just fine on its own while comfortably attached to Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). I love that there is a season 2, I hope they keep it going!
*SPOILERS - if you haven't started season two, run away!* Okay, that scene where Zoom break's Barry's back and runs him around the city by his neck. Daaaaaamn. That was rough.
Aside from The Flash being one of my favorite heroes growing up, there is a lot I love about this show. Great effects, fine acting and plenty of action make it a fun ride. My favorite is that they don't shy away from anything. King Shark and Gorilla Grodd are examples of characters that made me shake my head and say, "Wow, they really did that...and it worked!" My only problem with this show is that the new episodes don’t come fast enough! (Ahhh! I crack myself up! That was funny! Is this thing on?)
Legends of Tomorrow (CW) January 21st, 2016: I can’t imagine how this even got made. The pitch had to go something like “Hey, I’ve got an idea, let’s take all of the supporting characters from The Flash and Arrow and make a time travel show!” CW has my sincere admiration for trying this. It really looks like comic book miniseries material. Part of me thinks it’ll be a hot mess, but it also looks like a lot of fun! I’ll definitely be along for the ride!
The X-Files (Fox) January 24th, 2016: At what point is a show old enough that it’s okay to have a few nostalgic memories? I don’t think my wife or I missed an episode throughout the first seven seasons. We enjoyed the first film too. There were two more seasons and a second movie that weren’t my favorite. I really feel that they have told their story. It was great, but it’s really hard to go back and care about these characters. I’ll watch it, and I really hope they pull it off, but theirs is an uphill climb! That said, here is picture of Tooms, because he creeped the hell out of my wife and she is editing this blog post.
The Magicians (Syfy) January 25th, 2016: Harry Potter goes to college. The reviews on Rotten Tomatoes are mixed, but when did a bad review of a nerd show ever stop us from giving it a try? More importantly, what the hell happened to the Syfy channel? I thought it had gone the way of MTV not playing music, only showing WWE and Sharknado. Now they’ve got all of these new sci-fi and fantasy shows out, and MTV is making fantasy, and...what alternate dimension am I in?
Gotham (FOX) February 29th, 2016: (In my deepest announcer voice) In a wooorld, where Alfred slaps up street kids, Commisioner Gordon’s wife acts like Harley Quinn, and a 15 year old Silver St. Cloud tries to seduce a 14 year old Bruce Wayne. Watch Gotham, to learn how the bad guys went crazy from being in an alternate universe from their comic book counterparts, and nothing is the same! (I’ll keep watching through this season, but if Michael Chiklis doesn’t get to say, “It’s clobberin time,” I’m throwing in the bat-towel.)
Daredevil (Netflix) March 18, 2016: There are a lot of Punisher fans that will be happy that Frank Castle seems to be one of the primary antagonists in the second season. The show will also delve into Matt Murdoch’s relationship with Elektra. I enjoyed most of season one. My primary nit to pick is that the secondary story lines in both Daredevil’s first season and even moreso with Jessica Jones (ie. the twins) seem unnecessary and distracting. The rest was fantastic, and I’m looking forward to season 2!
Emerald City (NBC) April 15, 2016: A dark and gritty Wizard of Oz. It sounds to me like someone at NBC saw the image below and took it literally. Living a state over from Kansas, I feel obliged to watch the premiere. However, if dark and gritty means that Dorothy is going to break Zod’s neck, I’m out.
Game of Thrones (HBO) April 24th, 2016: Game of Thrones is definitely not for everyone. Incest, rape, gorey violence...it’s a rough world that I don’t want to visit, in person. The show has also been solid from day one. You never get the impression that, like some shows, if you wait a little longer it will get better, it already is better. I believe there are only two seasons left, and a lot of plot threads to wrap up. I look forward to seeing how they do it!
Westworld (HBO) 2016: My mom enjoyed the original movie, partly because she was a huge Yul Brynner fan, I'm sure for his acting in the same way that I love Kate Beckinsale. I've always been impressed with Crichton's work. For these reasons alone I'll be watching Westworld. HBO has a great lineup of actors too, which can be a good sign.
Ash vs Evil Dead (Starz) If you enjoyed The Army of Darkness, you’ll love this show. They haven’t missed a beat. There are 10 half hour episodes, with loads of comic book gore and some campy fun. Bruce Campbell is still groovy, and the show has already been renewed for season 2.
Dark Matter (Syfy) and Killjoys (Syfy) and 12 Monkeys (Syfy) Van Helsing (Syfy) Okay, now I’m just being lazy. SOOOMANYSHOWS. Support your local Syfy channel to get more sci-fi so they eventually make more Battlestar Galactica.
